‘We don’t want overstressed, overworked, unhealthy lecturers coming to work. They will not be able to provide the quality education we are known for in the area.’

Sue Graham, 54, a psychology lecturer, said staff felt ‘undervalued’.

She said: ‘We have accepted increased hours, we have accepted bigger class sizes. They have made a lot of support staff redundant. It’s taken quite a lot to get to this stage.’

Mike Gaston, principal at South Downs College, said: ‘It is disappointing that strike action has been called for by the UCU Union. The college will take all necessary steps to minimise impact on our students and remain open for business as usual.

‘We have consistently listened to and responded to staff concerns and we remain fully committed to supporting our staff.’